Characters
Who is Lamar’s best friend?
Who is Sergio
What prank does Lamar pull that gets him in trouble?
He sets off a stink bomb at the mall.
What is the name of the place where Lamar bowls?
Striker’s
What does Lamar learn about pranks?
That they can hurt people and have serious consequences.
“I’m the king of the alley, baby!”
Lamar
What is Lamar’s older brother’s name?
Who is Xavier?
Where does most of the story take place?
At the bowling alley
Where does Lamar often talk with Sergio about his problems?
At the bowling alley or around town
What does Lamar learn about friendship?
Loyalty and honesty are more important than trying to be popular.
"Why do you always have to be the center of attention?”
Xavier
Who does Lamar have a crush on?
Who is Makeda?
In which chapter does Lamar flash back to his mother’s funeral?
Chapter 12
Where does a lot of Lamar’s tension with Xavier show up?
At home
What lesson does Lamar learn from his dad?
That being responsible and respectful matters more than being funny.
“It’s not about being the best. It’s about doing your best.”
Lamar’s dad
What trait makes Lamar stand out from others early in the story?
His humor/jokes
What big event does Lamar compete in toward the end of the book?
A bowling tournament
What setting is important to Lamar’s emotional growth?
His home, especially in scenes with his father
How does Lamar learn to deal with his feelings about his mom?
By opening up and allowing himself to reflect on her death.
“You’re more than your jokes, Lamar.”
Makeda
How does Lamar’s relationship with his dad change over time?
It becomes more open and respectful as Lamar matures.
What major decision does Lamar make that shows he's growing up?
He takes responsibility for his actions and tries to make things right with others.
Why is the bowling alley so important to Lamar?
It’s where he feels confident and tries to prove himself.
What does Lamar discover about what really makes someone a winner?
Character, growth, and doing the right thing—not trophies or popularity.
“I thought winning the Bubba-sized trophy would fix everything. But now I know some things can’t be fixed with a strike.”
What does this quote show about how Lamar is changing as a person?
Lamar is starting to realize that success or external rewards—like winning a trophy—don’t solve deeper personal issues. He is beginning to take emotional responsibility and understand the value of relationships and honesty over recognition.